Edwards, Anthony Peter Planck (1962– )

US film and television actor. He became an international celebrity as a result of his award-winning role as Dr Mark Greene in the hit television drama ER (1994–2002).

Edwards had previously featured in secondary roles in a range of television shows and films. His first big break came in the popular teen movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), which was soon followed by the television show It Takes Two (1982) in which he starred alongside Helen Hunt. As Goose in the smash film, Top Gun (1986), he made the most of a comic supporting role, going on to a starring role in the television show Northern Exposure from 1990. Edwards has proved himself equally adept at comedy and drama, and his accomplished performances in ER have illustrated his great range as an actor. In 1996 he gave a chilling performance as murderer Dick Hickock in the television movie In Cold Blood and in 1998 he returned to the big screen, starring in the romantic comedy Us Begins with You.

Edwards was born in Santa Barbara, California, and educated at the University of Southern California. He attended an actor's workshop at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England, before breaking into the film and television business in the early 1980s. In the mid 1990s, Edwards also turned his attention to directing, becoming the first cast member to direct an episode of ER and also shooting the film Charlie's Ghost Story (1994). His acting filmography also includes Revenge of the Nerds (1984), The Sure Thing (1985), Mr North (1988), The Client (1994), Thunderbirds (2004), and The Forgotten (2004).